Vision - Passion's Child Whether myth or reality, there is an ancient story of passion for a woman stolen away to a foreign city that launched a 10-year war to retrieve her. This story culminated with a massive wooden horse, presented as a gift, that convinced the walled city’s defenders to open its gates. Warriors hidden within the horse were then able to gain access, burn the city and return the object of passion to the one who loved her. While this may or may not have actually happened, it is yet an example of how passion gives birth to a vision and its resulting persistent action. Nothing would stand in the way of accomplishing the passion’s vision. Both were together necessary for successful actions to be taken. All that was done to fulfill the vision of the woman’s return would be driven by a single passion for intimacy. As we celebrate the 4-year anniversary of New Life Church, there is recognition and gratitude for how we have come this far. There is also excitement and anticipation for the vision yet before us. In considering our past and future vision, the passion that initiates and drives it all is a consuming desire to know the One who gave us our greatest example of this. While we were stolen away to a land not our own, our Savior’s passion would let nothing stand in the way of our return to the Father’s side. Everything He did was for this single purpose of passion – to know us. We, in turn, have this as the driving passion for everything we do. With every opportunity to serve, develop, grow and fulfill our vision, there is its incredible overriding passion of knowing Jesus together. As long as knowing Him remains as our focused pursuit, nothing will stand in the way of realizing the vision we’re given. We will gather, grow and go with an invincible vision empowered by Spirit-driven passion. Notes Passion is the source/catalyst of Vision. Without it, vision is just an exercise in futility. Passion originates and brings to completion everything that is seen. This is why the vision it produces must be written down and meditated upon – to maintain the passion that will determine choices and fuel the strength to prevail/bring the vision to reality. Godly vision – born from a single passion – to know God. (His will, purpose, plan) When the “why” of life is focused on the kingdom, everything else is enabled to be a part of it. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Passion for the Lord yields vision of deliverance and completed purpose. Psalms 27:4-6 (NKJV) 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. While service is necessary, without passion as its source, it is a futile vision. Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” When the driving passion is for Christ – will press past all else for that vision. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Gathering – opportunity to honor and experience the presence of the Lord together. Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Corporate/small groups Prayer Promotion Inviting First impressions Fellowship Presentation Music Sharing Followup Facilities Growing Colossians 1:27-28 (NIV) 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Prayer Notes Action Bible study/school Accountability Go Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Outreach Community service Missions Streaming Vision is the ability to see what is invisible to others. Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.